Posted on: Sunday, April 22, 2001
Ranch life might appeal to nene, koloa
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer
The state Board of Land and Natural Resources is considering Umi Koa Ranch on the Big Island as a site for establishing populations of Hawaiian ducks and geese.
The ranch proposes to build or improve two acres of wetland marsh and 150 acres of streamside land to serve as habitat for koloa and nīnī, both of which are endangered.
Birds would then be released on the ranch to take up residence.
There are no nīnī known to be on the property now, but two koloa are sometimes seen there.
The Land Board proposes to enter a "safe harbor" agreement with the ranch, under which it would not be prosecuted for accidentally harming the animals, and there would be no increased land use restrictions from their presence.
The board will hold a public hearing within the next two months on its proposal.
